I stand corrected.
FX4 vs Lariat Ride
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 57
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From: SW Las Vegas
My FX4 did not have Rancho shocks. They were some kind of cheap looking black stock crap whateverish. They have already been replaced with nice Fabtech's; Ride quality has improved night and day (smoother) and speed bumps are fun now.
B
B
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: MA
Originally Posted by seredyns
I agree. What shocks did you change to? I am looking for a better ride on my 04 Scab. Thanks.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2007
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Until 04 FX4 was an option including "Rancho" shocks. When Ford made the FX4 a separate model in 04 they stopped using "Rancho" shocks. (Superduty continued) The shocks are engineered through the design process with Ford suspension engineers. The FX4 is a unique shock with specific damping rates, valving, longer travel etc. Like wise a Lariat is unique to XLT and FX4 and XL. They are made by one of the worlds best suspension and damper ZF Sachs of Germany. (Click here for Corporate Media Info) In addition to OEM clients Sachs designs for Ferrari Formula 1, Audi R8 ALMS, Suburu WRC, Mitsubishi Dakar all best in class. They design the suspension closely with dozens of Ford engineers, extensive testing and multi million dollar budgets. There a handle full of actual manufacturers worlwide and most consumer brands are simply marketing names. To replace factory shocks with aftermarket replacements (including Ford Parts replacement) will result in one generic design not specifically tuned to the specific vehicle but every 5000 lb truck on the market. But they do look cool and there is nothing wrong with that. If lifting or lowering suspension obviuosly a change will be required.
Source Automotive News 2004 Vehicle Supplier Cutaway (Page 7)
Source Automotive News 2004 Vehicle Supplier Cutaway (Page 7)
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New User
Joined: Jan 2005
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Originally Posted by WheelMA1
If memory serves, they are the Monroe Reflex. They are the "truck" shock they make. I have been very satisfied with them.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
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From: Isanti, MN
I was poking around on the Advance Auto Parts website and I cannot find shocks for the front end. They seem to insist that I need Monroe Reflex Struts...but I didn't think our trucks use struts! Am I missing something here?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,195
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From: Sunapee NH
Nope, not missing a thing, the fronts are a strut with coil over arrangement. Another strut/shock to consider are the Bilstein HD's. I have those on my 07 and they are great so far. Found them pretty cheap at shockwarehouse.com, less then ebay for a change. They offer other too.
FYI, Monroe Relfex and Rancho RSX are the same shock, so if you want the white shock with red rubber boot, you can get the same technology as the reflex. I've run both of these on my Heritage style F150s and they were GREAT. Firm, long lasting, well worth the money. I tried the Bilstein's this time because everyone says how great they are and I was curious.
Almost any aftermarket HD gas shock will be a great improvement over the factory units.
Still waiting for someone to check the part numbers on the FX4 or other non Lariat 07 4x4's. Lets see what they have vs my truck. Bet they are the same.
FYI, Monroe Relfex and Rancho RSX are the same shock, so if you want the white shock with red rubber boot, you can get the same technology as the reflex. I've run both of these on my Heritage style F150s and they were GREAT. Firm, long lasting, well worth the money. I tried the Bilstein's this time because everyone says how great they are and I was curious.
Almost any aftermarket HD gas shock will be a great improvement over the factory units.
Still waiting for someone to check the part numbers on the FX4 or other non Lariat 07 4x4's. Lets see what they have vs my truck. Bet they are the same.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
This is what I got from the Motorcraft website. Note there is no difference(at least for '07) between trim levels, with the exception of the FX4 and the FX2. All the others use the same shocks, with the exception of the heavy payload package.
On edit: tried to get the image up here, but the hosting site I used won't let me! And I'm also too lazy to find a better site.... Oh well, use this link to find it!
2007 Shock numbers
On edit: tried to get the image up here, but the hosting site I used won't let me! And I'm also too lazy to find a better site.... Oh well, use this link to find it!
2007 Shock numbers
Last edited by Tom; Mar 29, 2007 at 07:24 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 4
The differences may be that there are multiple pn's called out for the rear leaf spring bushings, and the rear shocks are divided into heavy duty vs non Hvy duty. This is probably where the ride difference is.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 350
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I guess the dealer may have shocks for the Lariat and the FX4 in stock. Go to them and ask to see the two shocks and put them side by side. They've got to be different. My FX4 definitely rides stiffer than the Lariat does, and it can't all be from my 20" wheels.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
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From: Isanti, MN
Right, as I posted above, the FX4 shocks are different, as are the ones for the new 2007 FX2 package. However, the lariat, XL, XLT, and King Ranch all have the same shocks. Obviously, the heavy payload shocks are also different. 